Daniel R. Atkinson, 70, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away at home on July 8, 2024.

Friends and family may visit from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday July 12, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A Sharing Time will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Friday at the Funeral Home.

Dan was born on April 26, 1954, in Strawberry Point, Iowa, son of Roy T. and Lavon B. (Thomas) Atkinson. He graduated from North Linn High School in 1972. Dan was united in marriage to Donna M. (Straka) Dolan on April 18, 2003. Dan worked for over 20 years at Cascade Lumber Company, he enjoyed meeting new people and making sure all of his clients were happy.

Dan loved fishing, bowling and golfing with friends and family, poker and Texas Hold ‘Em. He also liked cheering on the Chicago Cubs and the Iowa Hawkeyes. His family was his number one priority – especially his wife Donna whom he loved dearly. Dan would begin to grow his beard out starting in August so he’d be ready for his volunteer role of Santa. He enjoyed bringing smiles to all of the kids and nursing home residents who anticipated his visit every holiday season.

Dan is survived by his wife Donna, children Jason (Courtney) Dolan and Kayla (Derek) Haskin, grandchildren Isabelle, Allie, and Landon Dolan and Calvin, Carson, and Collin Haskin, siblings Sandy Merritt, Denny Atkinson, Mary (Steve) Ohl, and Mark (Kathy) Atkinson, siblings-in-law Debbie (Paul) Frank, Jerry Straka, and Karla Straka, extended family Marsha Dolan, Paul (Evie) Dolan, Colleen (Tony) Montag, Jim (Judi) Dolan, Peggy Schultz, JoAnn Ridenour, and Terry (Susie) Dolan, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to the blood relatives Dan leaves behind, there is also the Westhoff family who have become more than just friends, they are his honorary family.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law Bill Merritt and James Straka, and extended family Larry Dolan and Dave Ridenour.

In lieu of flowers, a Daniel R. Atkinson Memorial Fund has been established.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially Sasha, Dr. Engelman and his nurses and staff for their amazing care of Dan, and to all their friends and family for their support during this time.